The Southern Oregon Custom Classic

By Nicki KasperCalling all bike enthusiasts… The Southern Oregon Custom Classic is fast approaching. It’s a bicycle themed gallery show I’m curating at Off The Map’s new Northwest location in Grants Pass, Oregon on September 7th from 7pm to 10pm…

I’ve done a couple of events for artists before, but only one gallery show. I’ll be honest, when I was asked to put this show on I was a little nervous. I was up to the challenge as usual, but unsure if I’d be able to pull it off and make it as big as I imagined it could be.

I quickly figured out that bike builders have their own little secret sub-culture, and you’re not in unless you’re invited… To my surprise, I found the right people and must have made an impression because they’ve been amazingly helpful. I’ve got eight builders committed to letting me display about 20-25 bikes for the show. The gallery will also be full of bike themed paintings by Jeff Gogué, Christopher Gay, Tom Strom, Mark Hannah, and Canyon Webb.

Now, I know that a bike show wouldn’t be complete without beer, so I didn’t stop there… Here in Oregon, we like our beer, and Ninkasi is one of our most loved Oregon based brewers. They happen to be bike enthusiasts as well… It was a perfect pairing, and I wanted them at the event representing their brand and celebrating with us. I decided to catch up with Ninkasi at an event in person and talk directly to Ryan, who runs their mobile beer lounge. We made friends, and what do you know…? Ninkasi is coming with their couch, rug, tent, and BEER! We’ll also have some tasty snacks by Fulcrum Dining to pair with our keg of deliciousness.

It’s gonna be a great time. If you live in Oregon, please stop by and check out the show. Good times will be had, and the gallery will be full of amazing paintings and bicycles!